How are the collected data used by the HBDP?
Data are meant to be shared with as many people as possible in effort to reduce/eliminate birth defects. The HBDP puts out an extensive data report each year looking at about 100 diagnoses by over 20 variables (parents’ age, ethnicity, etc.). De-identified data and information are shared with researchers, physicians and students interested in a particular area, and requests on information about birth defects are shared with legislators and other policy makers at the state and local levels. The HBDP Administrator disseminates data, gives presentations, prepares reports and brochures, and co-authors articles for publication in peer-review Journals. The program also participates in local cluster investigations, national (Gulf War Syndrome, National Birth Defects Prevention Network) multi-state projects, and multi-country international (World Health Organization) investigations.
